We want to make sure all of Buda can receive The Big Picture newsletter. Help us by sharing it! |
|
THE BIG PICTURE
(City of Buda Weekly Newsletter)
Week of Dec. 14, 2020
|
|
In this Issue:
-
Christmas/New Years Holiday Schedule - City Offices Closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan.1
- COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise in Buda & Hays County
-
Curative COVID-19 Testing Site in Buda Now by Appointment Only
-
Hays County COVID-19 Relief Funds - Deadline is Dec. 22
-
Buda Drive-Thru Trail of Lights - Dec. 10-13,17-20
- Buda Drive-Thru Trail of Lights Video
- Trail of Lights Frequently Asked Questions
- Downtown Buda Festival of Trees
- Holiday Lights Recycling
-
Trout Fishing Day at Bradfield Pond - Saturday, Dec. 19
- Main Street Improvement Project Update
- Buda Main Street Program Receives Grant From Texas Downtown Association Anice Read Fund
-
Buda Parks, Recreation & Open Master Plan Public Survey - Survey Open Until Dec. 31
|
|
- Buda City Park Now Open to the Public
- Buda City Park Video
- City of Buda Employee of the Year/Service Awards
- REMINDER: Four-Way Stop Installed at Intersection of Old San Antonio Road and Cabelas Drive
- City of Buda Annual Sewer Averaging
- Water Smart Customer Portal
- Give Your Irrigation System A Break
-
Stage 1 Water Restrictions - Effective Monday, Aug. 24
- COVID-19 Hays County Resources
- COVID-19 Hotline
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Updates on City of Buda Website
- Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants
- Pay By Phone Automated System
- City of Buda E-Billing
- City of Buda Job Opportunities
- Upcoming Meetings
|
|
Christmas/New Years Holiday Schedule |
All City of Buda offices, including the Buda Public Library, will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Years. |
|
COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise in Buda & Hays County Stay Budaful, Healthy & Mask Up
|
|
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Buda and across Hays County. It is a reminder that we are still in a global pandemic. Please continue to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect your loved ones, our healthcare workers, and the community. Together we can make a “budaful” difference.
There are three important ways to help slow the spread:
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
- Stay at least 6 feet from others who do not live with you, and avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
“COVID-19 cases in Hays County have dramatically spiked since Thanksgiving. The City of Buda has seen an increase of over 200 new cases in this same period,” said Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. “There are many families in Buda currently fighting this virus and many more in quarantine due to exposure. Pandemic fatigue is only one of many new terms we are learning through this experience. 10 months is a long time, but we need to stay vigilant with wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.”
According to the latest numbers from the Hays County Health Department, Buda has over 250 positive COVID-19 cases.
“This virus is actively spreading in our communities,” said Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider. “By taking safety measures seriously we can slow it down, but it will take all of us working together.”
As the holidays approach please consider celebrating virtually or with the people in your household. This poses the lowest risk for spread. Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend postponing travel and staying home.
|
|
Curative COVID-19 Testing in Buda
Now By Appointment Only
|
COVID-19 testing is available in Buda through Curative! The testing kiosk is set up in the parking lot at Main Street and China Street near the public restrooms across from Main Street Dental.
There are some changes we wanted to share at the Curative testing sites in Buda and around Hays County:
1. They are offering testing by appointment only until further notice (this applies to the "permanent" locations; a few upcoming events will offer one-day walk-up testing)
2. Curative is now billing insurance but there is no out-of-pocket cost to the individual being tested.
3. Testing continues to be free to anyone without insurance.
4. Curative testing locations are closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
5. A second location at San Marcos High opens Dec. 19.
Curative Testing Site Holiday Closure
Buda COVID-19 Curative testing site will be closed on:
Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas Holiday
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Years Day
𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚
*𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 (𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬) 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥
𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚
𝟗 𝐚.𝐦. - 𝟓 𝐩.𝐦. - 𝟕 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤!
For questions please reach out to Curative at 1-888-702-9042. You can also reach them by email at support@curative.com.
Other Testing Sites in Hays County below.
|
|
Hays County COVID-19 Relief Funds |
The Hays County COVID-19 Relief Fund is taking applications for grants to assist with rent, mortgage and utility payments for Hays County residents impacted by COVID-19. The deadline is Dec. 22. More info about the program and how to apply are on this BR3T website: https://br3t.org/
|
|
Buda Trail of Lights Drive-Thru |
You have one more weekend to enjoy Buda Trail of Lights! In an effort to limit the gathering of large crowds and to keep our staff safe, we are hosting a drive-thru experience for this year’s Trail of Lights! You will get to experience all of the fun displays and lights from the safety of your vehicle. THIS IS A FREE EVENT.
𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕-𝟐𝟎
𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤
|
|
We have included a map of this year’s route below. The route begins on Hawk Lane at the entrance to Stagecoach Park & Visitor’s Center and winds its way around to Loop Street where motorists will exit back on to Main Street. Keep in mind that this is the traffic flow map and not the display map. Displays may not line the entire route. To ensure safe entry into the park, traffic will only be allowed to enter from the westbound lanes of Main. Eastbound traffic will not have a turning lane into the park. Buda PD will be on hand to direct traffic. |
|
Trail of Lights Drive-Thru Video |
We know not everyone is getting out during this time, so we put together a Trail of Lights Drive-Thru video for those not attending this year. Enjoy! |
|
Downtown Buda Festival of Trees
NOW OPEN
|
The Buda Festival of Trees is NOW OPEN! Come enjoy the trees donated by you, the community, in support of keeping the doors open for Downtown Buda businesses. The Festival of Trees is located in Greenbelt Park, surrounding the Downtown Christmas Tree. Each tree was donated by an individual, family, group, or business and has a central theme behind the décor. The trees were decorated with love for all families to enjoy and are a sparkling example of the beautiful community that builds Buda.
In addition to the donated trees, volunteers from the Buda Main Street Advisory Board built a lighted tunnel to enjoy after you take pictures around the Downtown Christmas Tree. Please remember to social distance when visiting the Festival of Trees, refrain from disturbing the decorations, and always wear a mask when you cannot be 6 feet apart from others not in your household.
The Festival of Trees is open for the community to explore until January 10. Greenbelt Park is open daily between 6 am – 10 pm. To learn more about the Festival of Trees or to donate to the Downtown Buda Merchants Group, visit www.budafestivaloftrees.com.
|
|
The City of Buda is here to help you recycle any of your old, broken, or unused holiday lights! From November 30th to January 10th, stop by the Buda Public Library to drop off your holiday lights. Please remove all clips, cardboard or any other material so that you are only turning in the string of lights. No compact fluorescent or other light bulbs can be accepted through this program.
You may drop the lights at a bin located near the outdoor book drop on the side of City Hall. The lights will be recycled through a vendor for proper disposal.
|
|
Trout Fishing Day at Bradfield Village Pond |
|
Texas Parks & Wildlife Trout Fishing Day!
Bradfield Village Pond
Saturday, Dec. 19
9 AM - 1 PM
Come to Bradfield Village Pond for a free day of learning and fishing! Take home up to 5 fish and join in on the fun with how to stations taught by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How to Stations include:
1. Trout fishing set up
2. Rules and regulations
3. How to hold a trout/other fish
4. Safety
5. Fly fishing (Tenkara Rod intro)
Please bring your own fishing pole. Due to COVID-19, poles will not be provided this year.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭:
- Masks are required for all volunteers and required for any citizen learning at an educational table.
- 10 or less attendees at each educational table at a time, 6 feet apart, excluding families members.
- Volunteers will keep 6 feet or more away from the public during educational presentations.
- No fishing gear will be shared with the public.
- Temperature checks will be administered on all volunteers.
|
|
Main Street Improvement Project Update |
Striping is done on Main Street. Project Manager Kenny Crawford has a quick update in the latest Kenny's Construction Chat. |
|
The Buda City Council accepted a grant at its Dec. 15 meeting in the amount of $5,000 from the Texas Downtown Association Anice Read Fund through a partnership with Communities Foundation of Texas. The grant was awarded to the Buda Main Street Program to support a new category of the Buda Downtown Improvement Grant for COVID-19 Safety-Related projects.
Through the existing Downtown Improvement Grant, funded through a partnership with the Buda Economic Development Corporation, the Buda Main Street Advisory Board may match up to 50% of the costs to a business located in the Main Street District that increase customer and employee safety, expand operational space to comply with capacity mandates, and/or increase the overall customer experience.
The grant allows the Main Street Program to continue to provide the benefits of the Downtown Improvement Project while also supporting small scale projects that are a direct response to COVID-19. Businesses wishing to submit an application for improvements made between April 2020 to date, may find the complete application at www.downtownbudatx.com/grants.
|
|
Buda Parks, Recreation & Open Space
Master Plan Public Survey
|
The City of Buda needs your help and input! The City is updating its Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. This document helps Buda set priorities for parks, recreation facilities, trails, and greenspaces for the next 10 years.
Please take some time to answer this survey about parks and recreation in Buda in the link below. The survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Encourage neighbors and other Buda area friends to participate in this important survey as well!
Instructions: Please answer the questionnaire with YOUR opinions. If your spouse or others in your family would like to complete a questionnaire, the same survey can be taken online. For each question, check the one box that is closest to your opinion unless instructions say, “Check all that apply.”
The survey will be open until December 31, 2020.
All survey answers will remain confidential and your information will not be sold or used for solicitation.
|
|
Buda City Park Now Open to the Public |
The wait is finally over! Buda City Park is now open to the public. Thank you for your patience during construction.
Upgrades include two new playground areas for younger and older children with ADA compliant playground equipment, a splash pad, new restrooms, and a games and grilling area. The splash pad is closed during the winter months and will open in the Spring.
With the addition of an amphitheater, the City of Buda is poised to become a premiere festival and event location. The amphitheater design provides a festival feel for the audience. The City looks forward to attracting festivals, concerts, and other events in the future when it is safe to do so.
Buda City Park is the City's only regional park. Regional parks are intended to serve the entire city and very often are considered the premier park in a community. Historically, City Park has hosted several popular events, including the City's annual "Red, White & Buda" Independence Day celebration.
City Park is also a place to enjoy nature. As part of the improvements, over five-hundred trees were planted. They range in species from Pecan, Texas Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Bigtooth Maple, and more!
"There are a lot of exciting things in store for City Park," said Parks and Recreation Director Greg Olmer. "The amphitheater is our main focal point of the new and improved park. This gives us an opportunity to draw in additional festivals and regional festivals, when it is safe to do, that can bring in tourism. But the new playground area, splashpad, and other amenities will provide a great outdoor experience to residents and visitors alike.
|
|
Parks and Recreation Director Greg Olmer talks about the new and improved City Park in the video below. |
|
City of Buda Employee of the Year/Service Awards |
𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐬 - 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 - 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
A big congratulations to Human Resources Director Vicki Fuchs! Named Employee of the Year, Vicki has indeed had a very busy year. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic she has worked to make sure City staff and the public are safe. Vicki has had to pivot to a constantly changing situation. From working with staff, to members of the public, she has truly gone above and beyond. Thank you for your hard work.
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
15 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆
Mike Beggs - Public Works Director
10 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆
The Buda Police Department celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2020. The following Buda PD employees celebrated 10 years with the City:
Chief Bo Kidd
Captain Brandon Hale
Sgt. Bill Kuykendall
Sgt. Barry Lee
Sgt. Luke Lysek
Sgt. Erika Simmons
Officer Casey Lopasky
Officer Alex Fernandez
The employees below also hit the 10-year milestone with the City:
Juan Mosqueda - Parks and Recreation Department
Heather Teems - Buda Public Library
5 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆
Jeff Wright - Public Works Department
Josh McNeal - Buda Police Department
Connor Fleming - Buda Police Department
Danielle Forti - Buda Police Department
Pictured Below: Human Resources Director Vicki Fuchs - Employee of the Year
|
|
REMINDER: Permanent Four-Way Stop Installed
At Intersection of Old San Antonio Road & Cabelas Drive
|
|
A permanent four-way stop is now up at the intersection of Old San Antonio Road and Cabelas Drive. Please keep this in mind when driving through the intersection. |
|
City of Buda Annual Sewer Averaging |
The City of Buda conducts its annual wastewater rate averaging every year from November through February. By reducing your water consumption and fixing leaks during this period, you can reduce the amount charged over the proceeding 12 months for the wastewater portion of your bill. Because there is no meter on your wastewater line, the City utilizes wastewater averaging during the winter months when outdoor water usage is at its lowest. We take
the average of the 3 lowest usage months during this 4 month period to determine your wastewater charges for the next year. The less water that is used during this period, the more you will save on the wastewater portion of your bill.
𝙂𝙤𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 will need to supply the City of Buda Utilities Department with water usage for November & December 2020 and January & February 2021. The new sewer average billing will go out in March and is due on April 10. The sewer charge will stay the same until next year when the City averages again.
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐚 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝟏𝟐-𝟐𝟗𝟓-𝟖𝟖𝟒𝟓.
|
|
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡?
You can register your account (for free) on the Water Smart Customer Portal. All you need is your account ID and your zip code. By signing up on the portal, you can set water usage alerts, leak alerts, keep up with your monthly usage and more!
Water Smart Customer Portal Instructional Video
Register Your Account on the Water Smart Customer Portal
|
|
Give Your Irrigation System A Break |
This the perfect time of year to give your irrigation systems a break. Here a few reasons to pull back on the watering.
- Plants are preparing for dormancy. This means they don’t take in as much water.
- Roots continue to grow at a snail’s pace during dormancy. Apply mulch to conserve existing soil moisture and help protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.
- The cooler, wetter weather is usually sufficient for our soon-to-be-dormant lawns. Any additional irrigation — especially during certain times of the day — only encourages fungus growth.
(Tips above shared from SAWS - San Antonio Water System)
As a reminder, the City of Buda is still in Stage 1 Drought Restrictions. You can find more information about drought restrictions and water conservation below.👇
|
|
Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020
|
Effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, Stage 1 Water Restrictions will go into effect for City of Buda water customers in accordance with the City’s adopted Water Resource Management and Drought Response Ordinance. This is due to the lack of consistent precipitation, and higher than normal demands on our water production system.
Under Stage 1, irrigation with hose-end (sprinkler attached to a hose) and automatic sprinkler systems is restricted to twice per week. Irrigation with handheld bucket, handheld hose, soaker hose, or drip irrigation system is allowed any day and at any time. Violation of the ordinance could result in a fine of up to $2,000 per offense and a surcharge on the customer’s utility bill.
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐞𝐧𝐝 (𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬
Twice per week on designated day; prohibited between the hours of 10:00am and 7:00 pm
- Odd-numbered residential: Wednesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered residential: Thursday and Sunday
- Commercial, mixed use and multi-family: Tuesday and Friday
- It is recommended that outdoor watering be limited to one of the permitted watering days each week to promote conservation
𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭, 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
- Allowed any day and at any time
For more information on Stage 1 restrictions and water conservation tips please our website.👇
|
|
Hays County has provided a list of resources for residents who have lost their jobs or need food, mental health support, or other assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Hays County has a COVID-19 hotline. The number is 512-393-5525 and it is operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
|
|
(The information coming from Hays County will continue to change. Please follow Hays County at www.haysinformed.com)
An online dashboard provides the public with a current count and other statistics related to COVID-19 cases in Hays County in near real-time.
The data on the dashboard shows a snapshot of COVID-19 related information for the County, as well as the number of active and recovered cases per City.
For example, the public can see the current number of confirmed cases as of that day. The data includes the cases considered active or in recovery, along with the number of tests administered. The data is also available in map format.
County residents may visit
|
|
New Online/Phone Options for Court Defendants |
|
The City has several new options for court defendants:
- Online Case Resolution (InSite) – The City of Buda currently uses some of the options offered through Online Case Resolution, but this upgrade will allow the City to enable additional features like Court Dismissals and Court Scheduling. Basically, any service the City offers on-site will now also be offered online.
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – Municipal Court defendants will be able to call 1-866-311-9322 to pay on citations over the phone. This is a new option being offered by the City.
- Tyler Notify – The City has been using notifications by phone call for a while, and now we have the ability to use text messaging at no cost to the City.
|
|
Pay By Phone Automated System |
|
The City of Buda has launched a way for customers to pay bills by phone. You will be able to call 1-866-279-0787 and pay through an automated system over the phone.
- Save postage by paying your bill by phone.
- Access your updated account instantly.
- Hear real-time balances, payment amounts, and due dates
- Enter your information securely through an automated system
|
|
|
|
City of Buda
Job Opportunities
|
Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest employment opportunities.
|
|
Thank you for subscribing to "The Big Picture" weekly newsletter! It's a "Budaful" way to keep up with the latest City news.
Sincerely,
City of Buda
|
|
|
|
405. E Loop St., Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
512-312-0084
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
